11-14-11 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 14, 2011 Vadnais Heights Fire Department has also recovered the cost of calls they have responded to along the freeway in Little Canada and provided some reimbursement to LCFD. Based on 2010, LCFD responded to 20 calls and with a truck charge of $350 per hour (one hour minimum), total billable would be about $7,000. Assuming the same 70% collection rate experienced by Vadnais Heights, the billings would generate about $4,900. The Fire Chief noted that one question would be "do we charge if there was nothing to be done given the circumstances of the call ". The Fire Chief also noted that some other challenges would be handling the administrative burden of the billing process. He indicated that it may not be feasible for the Little Canada Fire Department to implement this program, but they will do some additional research on this possibility. RESPONSE The Fire Chief pointed out that Allina provides ambulance service to Little Canada TIMES The Fire Chief indicated that to increase response times for Little Canada, it would be preferable to have Allina based at the fire station. Another option would he to train fire fighters as first responders. The first responder training is 40 hours and the Fire Chief thought it would he a good idea to train everyone to at least that level. To achieve faster response times than Allina, first responders would need to he based at the station. Vadnais Heights is providing first responders trained to a "basic life support" (BLS) level. Allina's average response time is about nine (9) minutes while Vadnais Heights responds in about six (6). The Chief pointed out that a few minutes of difference in response time would not matter for most calls, but it does for some. It is also difficult to determine if the current response times pose a problem. The City Administrator noted that Allina is conducting a study of response times and training in terms of effects on health outcomes. This study will not be completed for about two years. Assistant Chief Liebel expressed concerns about Little Canada now having slower response times than other area departments that have staff at the station on a 24 -hour per day basis. LEVEL The Chief indicated that many fire departments have hired full -time fire OF SERVICE chiefs as well as have stations manned 24 -hours per day. These staffing levels have resulted in improved response times for fire calls. For Little Canada, the Chief thought two or three people would handle 95% of all calls. By avoiding calling out the entire department, savings would be achieved that could help offset some of the cost associated with 24 hour staffing. Assistant Chief Morelan said we should initially focus on our "busy" times. It was noted that 2